Cross-Country Ski at Bacon Rind Creek
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About this place
This easy to access ski trail in Yellowstone follows Bacon Rind Creek before going up a ridge after 2 miles. With the right weather conditions, you should get plenty of deep snow with few visitors.
The trail down Bacon Rind Creek starts along HWY 191, between West Yellowstone and Big Sky. The trail starts at about 7,000 feet of elevation and the first two miles of trail are located inside Yellowstone National Park. The trail then continues through the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and will climb significantly more than the first two miles.
The skiing is easy, especially if someone has already broken trail in fresh snow. At a comfortable skiing pace, you could do the main trail section (4 miles round trip) in a couple of hours. There are many places where you'll easily glide along. You're unlikely to see anyone else on the trail, which is part of the draw. You'll want to be using backcountry skis, unless the trail is broken, then a wider classic ski may get you by.
When there is fresh snow, there will likely be fresh wildlife tracks all over. There's everything from fox and coyote, to mice and maybe even wolves. The Gallatin pack is active here in the winter, so you may get lucky and spot one of the black wolves! Bobcats are seen in this area as well.